Property Taxes in Detroit. Good news message on how you can save some money

by Richard C. Clement

Now is the time to plan to lower your property tax if you feel that your assessment is unfair. There are three possible steps to the annual appeal process:

1. Assessors Review (local)

2. March Board of Review (local)

3. Michigan Tax Tribunal (state)

Make plans to appeal your assessment between the dates of February 2^nd through 16^th.  If you are not satisfied with the local assessor’s review, you have a right to appeal the March board of review. (Click Here to Review the Steps Needed to get the Job done)

There are many programs available to lower your taxes such as a poverty exemption credit and Neighborhood Enterprise Zones. (Click here to read NEZ information). This is only the request form for a poverty application please do not submit financial information with the form!

To qualify for a tax exemption under the poverty program, you must:

1. Own and occupy the property as your primary homestead as of December 31, 2014.

2. Must have a principal residence exemption on file.

3. Household (related and non-related) annual income must fall within the poverty guidelines.

4. You must submit a completed application and provide all required documents for the board to render a decision.

Incomplete applications may not be considered. Important notice any person who knowingly makes a false statement or misrepresentation will be denied a poverty exemption and may be prosecuted to the fullest extent provided by law. Any or all applications are subject to random home inspections for compliance with City of Detroit guidelines. (Click Here For Poverty Tax Exemption Forms)

If you disagree with the March Board of Review decision, you have as a right by law to appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. All Property Classified Real Property can be protested at the March Board of Review. This is necessary to protect your rights to further appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal for valuation and exemption appeals and/or State Tax Commission for classification appeals.

To appeal a decision of the March Board of Review, you must write to the Michigan Tax Tribunal before June 30th each year. Please visit www.michigan.gov/taxtrib  for the appropriate appeal form.

Property Classified Commercial Real, Industrial Real Appeal to the March Board of Review is not required. However, if desired, an appeal must be made during the Assessors Review Period (see above for deadline) in order to appeal to the March Board of Review; or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st .

Property Classified Commercial Personal, Industrial Personal and Utility Personal

Taxpayers who wish to appeal for these classifications are not required to appear at the March Board of Review. However, if desired, an appeal may be made to the March Board of Review (see above for deadline and mailing address) or an appeal can be made directly to the Michigan Tax Tribunal prior to May 31st . Appeal to the Michigan Tax Tribunal requires that a personal property statement be filed by February 20th .

Michigan Tax Tribunal P.O. Box 30232 Lansing, M 48909 (517) 636-7551 www.michigan.gov/taxtrib